10 Best Courses after 12th Commerce

Through this blog, we shall be highlighting some of the Best Courses that students can pursue after 12th Commerce and build a good career in the commerce stream.

Students normally get confused as to which degree or professional course to undertake in order to build up a good career base. Simply stated, What to do after 12th Commerce is a common query that students tend to face once they reach 12th standard.

Parents are also worried about the career options for their children that will set a good platform for them to become successful in life. There are numerous career options to select from. But, you wish to select the best for yourself.

So, here we shall be discussing about career in commerce i.e. career options for commerce students only.

Courses after 12th Commerce: How to Choose?

You can’t define one single best course for yourself. There are a number of degrees and professional courses to choose from. What matters is the one that you choose and prove it to be the best for yourself.

Making the right career choice is a major decision of one’s life. Sometimes it is a bit confusing. So, follow your interests and go ahead with what makes you feel happy.

Therefore, once you pass 12th Commerce, you need to select in which direction you should move ahead. Taking the right decision is just a stepping stone for building a successful career in the commerce field. You have to put in the best of your efforts to achieve your dreams.

Commerce is a vast field where you will get to explore a variety of areas based on the course you select like:

So, if you are aware of your interests and which way you exactly want to go, things might seem a bit easy.

Here is a list of some of the main courses that commerce students can pursue after their 12th Commerce standard.

This is not in any particular order, you can go through this massive list and make a choice based on your specific interests. We have tried to cover a few major career options for commerce students.

10 Best Courses after 12th Commerce:

1. Bachelors of Commerce (B.Com):

This is the general degree that spans over a period of 3 years that you can pursue after completing your 12th commerce. Having a normal B.com degree proves quite handy even if you are pursuing any of the professional courses. It is always beneficial to complete your graduation that may help you later on if you go for higher studies.

You can pursue B.Com as a full time course or through correspondence depending upon your choice. Distance education courses or correspondence courses are beneficial if you are also pursuing a professional course like CA, CS etc. Otherwise a regular degree is a better choice.

Key Takeaway:

This is the most common and the simplest career choice for commerce students. In fact, even if you think of pursuing any other professional course, having a basic graduate degree proves beneficial in the long term.

2. Bachelors of Commerce (Honours) or B.com (Hons):

This is similar to B.com but in an extensive form with specialisation in a particular subject or field like Accountancy, management or economics etc. The industry demand for B.com (Honours) is somewhat better than normal B.com. However,the admission criteria and eligibility conditions might be similar for both. These may slightly vary for different universities/colleges.

The subjects are also quite similar, the major difference being that you will get to do in depth analysis while studying B.Com (Hons).

Key Takeaway:

Being an extension of the normal B.com, you’ll gain specialisation in a particular main subject of your choice.

3. Bachelors in Economics:

This is yet another option for commerce students to pursue after their higher secondary education. You will get to experience practical knowledge on various economic concepts, economic policies, analytical methods and programs etc. If you are keenly interested in economics and want to gain specialisation about the economic framework, this might suit you.

Further, if you want to prepare for Indian Administrative Services or IAS, having an economic background shall be an added advantage for you.

4. Bachelors of Business Administration (BBA):

This is a 3 year Business administration course helping to build a base in core business disciplines. You get to explore different functional areas of a business environment. So, if you are interested in getting an exposure to the various business aspects and get a hold of the concepts of business administration, this course might be your choice.

In addition to academic learning, if you pursue BBA from a good university, you get well versed with business insights and real world business skills.

Key Takeway:

After completing your graduation, you can look forward to a Post graduation degree like M.Com (Finance) or MBA (Finance) or MBA with specialisation in any other field as per your preferences. This is an obvious choice for the ones thinking to build their career in the financial and business management field.

5. Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS):

Another undergraduate programme designed to prepare students in the field of management. This is a 3 year course that provides theoretical and practical training which helps to inculcate leadership and managerial skills. A good understanding of managerial practices and concepts can guide you to explore ample of opportunities in the business world.

You get to learn and add varied knowledge in the field of management, human resources, organisational theories, research methodology etc. The demand for skilled managerial professionals has seen an increasing trend. So, having the requisite degree from a reputed institution can help you to become successful in the corporate world.

Some colleges might have renamed their BBA Course as BMS Course. So, don’t get confused and just clarify all the details beforehand from the respective college.

Important: Please note that semester system is being followed for most of the Bachelors and Masters degrees these days. Hence, check out all the relevant course details, fees, duration, subjects and other important aspects from the respective colleges/universities.

Professional Courses after 12th Commerce:

6. Chartered Accountancy (CA):

This is the best professional course for building a successful career in commerce. Becoming a Chartered Accountant opens the various doors to exciting career opportunities in diversified sectors. You can act as a Tax Consultant, an auditor, an advisor, a financial officer and so. This entirely depends upon whether you go in your own independent practice or you settle for a corporate job.

No doubt, CA requires lot of hard work and sincere efforts to enter this esteemed profession.

It might be easy for CA entrants to clear the initial level. But, the higher levels you reach i.e. Intermediate (IPCC) and CA Finals, the tougher it gets. So, complete determination followed by consistent efforts are the keys to success. The new curriculum has been launched for CA Course wherein you need to do Foundation, Intermediate and Final levels.

This professional course is provided by The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). Its Head office is in New Delhi, branches are located all over India. You can visit the official website www.icai.org to get deeper insights on the course, eligibility conditions and admission procedure.

This a well known course promising rewarding career in the field of accounting, taxation, auditing, financial reporting to name a few. The theoretical knowledge alongwith the practical training (articleship) helps to build a good name and respectable position for yourself.

7. Company Secretary (CS):

This is another professional course that is opted by students after 12th commerce. This course is provided by The Institute of Company Secretaries of India. A Company Secretary is basically responsible for all the regulatory compliance of the company and acts as an in-house legal expert. After doing CS, you have an option to practice independently or look in for a job in the corporate world.

This is also a preferred choice for students pursuing Chartered Accountancy. A combination of CA and CS is common choice among students to build a good career.

8. Cost and Management Accountant (CMA):

This course is provided by The Institute of Cost Accountants of India or ICWAI. Certified Cost Accountants maintain cost accounting records, do cost auditing, helps in planning, controlling and costing of products.

You can do your own practice as CMA or hold managerial positions in public as well as private enterprises. The role of Cost Accountant goes beyond that of Financial Accountant by helping in production operations and processes. You can chose the cost audit area, certification and consulting areas.

9. Certified Financial Planner (CFP):

Are you are interested in building a career in areas of Personal finance, wealth management, insurance planning, mutual fund investing? If yes, then this might be a great fit for you. So, if you want to enter the financial planning world, then you need to get this certification as a Certified Financial Planner or CFP.

So, if you are thinking to become a financial planner helping people in their investment planning, tax planning, insurance, retirement planning, CFP is a must have.

10. Bachelor of Law (LLB):

LLB is also a common degree that students pursue after their 12th standard. You might already know who a “lawyer” or “advocate” is and what are his duties.

The Bar Council of India (BCI) is the main regulatory body of Law Education in India. BCI provides certificate of practice after completion of LLB. In order to practice you need to clear the All India Bar Examination.

If you wish to do the *integrated course, you can take the admission in 5 year integrated programme after the completion of your 12th standard exams. *Integrated undergraduate degrees provided are B.A. LL.B., B.Sc. LL.B., BBA LLB, B.Com LL.B

The law students have a great scope of establishing name, fame and a good career in the long run. Moreover, studying from the top law colleges in Indiasurely adds to your profile.

Now, these were just few of the major courses for commerce students that you can select from. There might be many others courses to look for. Like you can go in for some banking courses or prepare for UPSC or IAS if you are interested in doing so.

Courses for Creative Minds

We have focused only on finance, accountancy, taxation, law and related courses in this post. There are numerous other courses that a commerce student can pursue as per his preferences, interests and creativity.

Students are also interested in:

Wildlife photography

Fashion designing

Hotel management

Other creative fields etc. as we got feedback in our comment section.

You just need to be confident, follow your passion and work hard to achieve success.

Best Courses after 12th Commerce: A Final Take

Having guidance from your elders and experienced persons really helps. In fact, good elderly advice is essential to guide you in your career path. But, the final decision should be taken by keeping in mind your own passion and interests.

At the end of the day, you have to decide what you want to do. Stop thinking and start acting…

The education that you will gain today shall accompany you throughout your life and will surely guide your way.

If you follow your passion and pursue what you like, the success path will become much smoother for you. You can anyways become successful in life if you take the right career decisions and enjoy your career path.

The author of this blog is a Chartered Accountant, so you have read some exclusive details on the Chartered Accountancy course.

Courses for Commerce Students Abroad:

Further, going abroad for higher studies is a common choice amongst students when they complete their 12th standard. If that’s your choice, you will need to checkout a list of courses after 12th commerce that you can pursue abroad. We shall be covering it in one of our upcoming posts.

382 Comments

Hello, I am currently giving my 12th board exams. I’m a commerce with maths student. I really regret taking maths because I am average at it. And, now it’s decreasing my grades.
I’m thinking of doing BMS from DU or IP University. But, due to my low interest in Maths I’m not sure if BMS is the best option to opt for. Any suggestion you can provide for my situation that would be very helpful.

Hey there! I’m a CBSE commerce student. I’m really confused about my future. I like hotel management and like to be a chef in future at the same time. I have interest in other platforms. Really, I’m looking for a job that is not common but has a high scope. Please tell me that how can I plan my future in the best way. Please explain the best courses I can prefer.

Hello! I just gave my board exams and I’m really confused that which line I should take. I think I need to do my aptitude test because it’s high time now and I can’t even decide one field. Can anyone help me to and suggest a good field which is beneficial in long term also. I’m commerce student from Surat. Thank you. Reply will be appreciated 🙂

Hi Ayush, Its quite normal to get confused while deciding the right career option for yourself. Firstly, you need to relax and think, What are your real interests? Which are your favourite subjects? What you really enjoy doing and pursuing as a career option? Do you want to get into a regular career field or are you thinking to opt for a creative career alternative? Once you get the answers to these queries, it shall become easy for you to decide a good course. You are done with your board exams so you still have some time to take the correct decision. You can discuss with your family and teachers about various career prospects. Choose the one that fits your interests. All the best!

Excellent article. Thanks for the information. It was very helpful for me. I just want to ask, I have decided to do BMS course. But, the question arises is there any compulsion of having Maths subject in HSC for doing this course? Please let me know.

I’m an average student. I have scored 68% in my 10th board exams in 2018 and I’m not sure that I can be successful in CA. But, I’m interested in this course a lot. Can you give me some suggestions please.

Hi, My daughter has given her 12th std (Commerce) exams and awaiting results. I checked your website around the topic “best course after 12th commerce”. I agree that CA is the best professional course. Also, as you had rightly mentioned that it does take lot of hard work to complete.

Since, this is extremely tough and needs ones consistent hard work, can you suggest an alternate professional course. I came across an advertisement where there is an institute where they train students on CMA, CIA and CPA (an integrated course). What’s your take on this? Will this be a good alternate to CA? I am not sure about these certifications. Please let me know your thoughts at the earliest.

Hi, Yes, CA is a bit difficult course. However, CMA and CPA together might also seem a bit difficult to manage. Rest, it depends on the calibre of the student.
I don’t know what advertisement you are talking about. But, be careful and go with genuine institutes only. I think this might be a coaching institute that you are referring.
Professional courses like CA,CS,CMA,CPA have their own professional bodies that manage them. These are good certifications. You can directly enrol with them without any intermediary.

Hey, I would like to add further. A combination of B.com with any of these courses like CA, CS, CMA is quite manageable. While enrolling for a professional course, I feel one should complete a basic Bachelors degree alongside.

With lot of uncertainity around finishing CA and lesser students clearing in first attempt (though passing % is around 10%-12%), CPA stands as an alternate. The number of papers is less. I think the pass % is around 40%-45%. What do you think?

Yes, I too agree that a Bachelor’s degree is a ‘must to have’ sort. Moreover, to do CMA (US) the candidate should be pursuing a bachelor’s degree. I think for CPA also, there needs to be a graduation minimum to become eligible to take up the exams.

Yes.. All the three (CMA, CIA & CPA) are from the US. They have got their own certification bodies as we have ICAI for CA here. The combination of these courses seems exciting. It should not be a difficult proposition to do all the three together, if properly programmed.

Also, there is a bilateral agreement between our CWA institute and IMA (US). Though the papers in the US certifications seem minimal, they are not easy courses. It depends on the commitment shown by the student. But, once committed, he/she can finish the papers with genuine efforts.

CPA is an international certification and holds more value abroad. In India, CA is the topmost accounting qualification. Or if one has an MBA degree from a reputed institute this can further strengthen the profile.

CPA and other such US certifications also are very much valued by the fast increasing MNCs & the Big Four Firms in India. And, of course MBAs from an institute of high repute can add immense value to the profile.

I read your article it is very useful. Thank you so much for helping us with your excellent article. I have given exam of class 10th this year from ICSE board. I am thinking to take commerce in class 11th. If I will do my graduation and post graduation in India then will I be able to get job in Japan? I’ll look forward for your answer.

The education pattern in India is quite extensive. I don’t think you might face any issue while moving to another country. But, you may have to do some additional course in that specific country like Japan you are saying. There may be language differences as well. Actually, Japanese is their first language. But, if you know English, you can overcome that also. Although, I am not sure English is a widely spoken language there or not.

Hello, I am in 12th commerce with Maths. After completing 12th my main aim is to take admission in Delhi university suitably SRCC and opt for Economics Honours. But, obviously the cut off of the courses in DU goes up to 98% and even 100%. So, I am actually not sure to score that much marks in 12th class. So, can you suggest some good colleges for Economic Honours other than DU? Or can you suggest some good tips for scoring good marks in 12th at least that much for which I can get admission in DU? Any suggestions.

I have passed my class 12th exam with 65% and I am from commerce background. I am so much confused what to do next? I have interest in technology and business. I have family business also. Please help me to choose a best course that will help me to build a good career ahead.

Hi, my son just appeared for 12th commerce with IT. He is suffering from LD. Aptitude test says to choose travels & tourism/hotel management/hospitality field, BBA or BCA also. Can you please share other courses available for him?

Hi, I am presently in 12th standard. I am confused regarding what to do in the future. I want to do CPA but really don’t know what is probably the best combination along with CPA. I wanted to know whether CPA along with CFA is good or CPA along with MBA or CPA along with any other? Could you please share views on this.

Hello, I am currently doing A levels and I am in 12th right now. I am extremely good at Maths and Accounts. So, planning to pursue my career in the field of stock market and become an investor. I am being told by many to opt BSC in finance course in NMIMS University or either do CA to achieve what I am planning. However, which course would be a best, any suggestion.

After the completion of your 12th grade in the commerce stream, you can pursue your UG degree in B.Com., BBA, B.Com. LL.B. and many more. The most common choice among students is a B.Com. degree. Bachelor of Commerce program in CMRU prepares students with required competencies and curriculum in the field of Accounting and Finance.

Hey, I’m giving my boards this March and would like your intake.
I am having commerce with Maths and quite good in studies too, I want a future job that is not only limited to India but I could work in foreign countries as well if I wish to decide so.
What do u think are the best profession that I should prefer and how do I do so or the courses required for the same?